|
The 2022 Legislative Session of the Maryland General concluded in early April with 2,520 bills introduced and 836 signed into law by Governor Hogan; 11 bills were vetoed, and one was overruled. Below is a small sample from our full update; you can read the update in its entirety on our website.
Employment Law
Time to Care Act of 2022 (SB275)
Under this Act, Maryland joins nine other states to provide family medical leave insurance for private employers. A mandatory payroll deduction for employees and employers with fifteen or more employees will begin on October 1, 2023; self-employed individuals may also contribute. Eligible employees – those who have worked a minimum of 680 hours over the preceding twelve-month period – will receive up to 12 weeks of paid benefits (24 weeks in certain circumstances).
Business Law
Maryland New Start Act of 2022 (HB158)
In an effort to support formerly imprisoned individuals, the Maryland New Start Act of 2022 established a grant program and microloan fund administrated by the Maryland Department of Labor and Department of Commerce, respectively. At least $200,000 will be appropriated to the grant program, which will provide funding for certain eligible organizations. This will create or support existing entrepreneurship development programs. The microloan fund, to which at least $300,000 will be appropriated, will provide loans directly to the formerly imprisoned individuals.
Family Law
Marriage Records (HB369)
This bill establishes requirements and procedures for issuing a new marriage record when the name of one party to the marriage has been changed. Among other requirements, the bill provides that, effective October 1, 2022, a new marriage record must designate the parties using gender-neutral language and may not be marked as “amended” or otherwise reflect the changes made.
Estate Planning
The 2022 legislative session was busy for estate and trust-related bills. Two of the biggest bills of the year, which allow for electronic execution of Wills and Trusts and the remote notarization of Wills and Trusts, are now in effect. Virtual Will signings are a permanent option in Maryland for our estate planning clients. (Senate Bills 0036/Chapter 177 and 0317/Chapter 0715)
Real Estate
Maryland Department of Transportation (HB163)
These emergency bills, effective upon enactment, specify that when State Highway Administration (SHA), the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), or an agent, employee, or consultant of SHA or MTA gives or posts the notice of entry onto private property to conduct environmental and engineering studies, SHA or MTA must send a copy of the notice to the General Assembly members who represent the legislative district in which the property is located.
Community Association
Vehicle Laws-Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicles-Reserved Parking Spaces (HB147/SB146)
This bill prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle in a designated plug-in electric drive vehicle charging space except for plug-in electric drive vehicles while they are plugged into charging equipment.
| 
